All kids can learn, so it is imperative to meet them where they are and value where they are. From this place of acknowledgement and respect, I feel like I stand a chance of engaging kids in meaningful inquiry of their lives through literature and written expression. Once I know the student, then we can proceed to build on their skills. I listen well, and I encourage students to learn for the sake of learning, not necessarily to improve grades or test scores (although, those improvements wil...